Baltimore Grows

From the dearth of downtown dining, some bold new options are sprouting…helping to bring life back to the streets during non-business hours.  Here’s a few up and comers:

Phi Restaurant and Lounge has not opened yet, but a peek through the window relveals what appears to be a trendy lounge type atmosphere.  The restaurant will seat 125 and has big windows that look out into Calvert Street.  It will be located in the new Hotel Indigo that’s scheduled to open in February. Phi is a concept that Hotel Indigo uses in some of there other locations like this one in Ottawa – http://www.ottawadowntownhotel.com/Amenities_phi.html 

B&O Brasserie, which recently opened in the former B&O headquarters turned Hotel Monaco, presents possibly the best opportunity for a big hit.  The chef, Michael Reidt was named Food and Wine’s best new chef of 2001.  The Baltimore Sun called it “Woodberry Kitchen – Inner Harbor Edition” in its review (http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/bal-ae.restrev20sep20,0,3995781.story) although it may have a long way to go to catch up considering Woodberry was named on of Bon Appetit’s 10 best new restaurants in the nation.  B&O also focuses on sustainable food and seems to be catching on as a trendy place to go.  Visit their website: http://www.monaco-baltimore.com/baltimore-restaurant/

Brasserie 10 South http://www.brasserie10south.com/ got off to kind of a slow start.  Opened in the place formerly occupied by Copra perhaps it was lost amongst the nearby office towers or overlooked because of its nightclub counterpart (Lux) which occupies the upstairs.  However, Brasserie 10 South seems to be making a name for itself serving “Southern-American Fusion”.  Also see the Baltimore Sun Review: http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/bal-ae.li.eats30jul30,0,6003184.story

jeffcantonite@yahoo.com